Brewing Brilliance: DaVinci Gourmet’s Barista Craft Championship
Celebrating Coffee Culture and Championing Barista Talent Across the Region
I’ve always said that the most undervalued players in the specialty coffee value chain are the coffee farmer and the barista. The people at the beginning and the end. It’s a fact I firmly believe and have not seen disproven in all my time in coffee.
Until now.
DaVinci Gourmet is launching its first-ever Barista Craft Championship, an event set to celebrate the artistry, craftsmanship, and passion behind every cup of coffee.
Celebrating Coffee Culture
“In 2024, being a barista involves a lot more skill than simply brewing a cup of coffee,” says Brand Ambassador Glenda Pataray. For years, DaVinci Gourmet has championed the coffee community, and this year, they’re taking it up a notch with the Barista Craft Championship. “We are looking for the most creative coffee-inspired drinks in the region to celebrate the coffee culture,” Pataray adds.
This year’s theme is ‘United through Coffee,’ focusing on enhancing the coffee drinking experience through flavor. Participants will present their signature blends, capturing the essence of their unique coffee cultures.
“Our aim is to highlight the unifying power of coffee through flavor. Despite the diversity in brewing methods, preferences, and cultural rituals, one thing remains constant: the profound love and appreciation for coffee. It’s a reminder that amid our differences, a shared passion unites us all,” Pataray shares.
Competition Structure
The championship kicks off with national preliminary rounds in over 20 countries, including Turkey, UAE, KSA, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Egypt.
In the initial stage, baristas will submit a coffee-based beverage featuring at least one DaVinci Gourmet product via digital submission, judged on a 20-point system.
“Up to 10 finalists from each participating country will be selected to compete in the national finals, with face-to-face contests taking place across August-September 2024. In this round, baristas will be asked to create one hot and one cold coffee-based beverage, using at least one DaVinci Gourmet product in each,” explains Pataray.
All finalists will receive prizes for reaching the national round. The top three in each country will be crowned, with third place receiving USD 500, second place USD 1,000, and first place USD 2,000, plus flights and accommodation to Singapore for the grand regional final.
The championship will culminate at the Food and Hotel Asia HoReCa trade show in Singapore from October 23 to 24. Here, representatives from each country will present their winning hot and cold beverages to a panel of judges.
“There will be three winners, with first place receiving USD 3,000 and a coffee experience trip to Korea,” says Pataray. “We’re offering some great prizes and hope to attract new talent across the region.”
Championing the Cafe Industry
As a partner of the café industry, DaVinci Gourmet understands the importance of nurturing customers’ appreciation and passion for the complexities of the barista craft.
“The reality is that a lot of cafés include syrups on their menus, not just for profitability but because the demand for taste and excitement is there. Our goal is to elevate coffee, not overpower it,” notes Pataray.
“We know the need for classic beverages like lattes or cappuccinos will never change, but we see the younger generation of coffee lovers eager to create new and exciting beverages, and we want to stay relevant by working with cafés to continue that journey.”
Pataray is excited about the competition’s potential and its impact on the industry. “This competition is an opportunity to expose new talent and connect the global barista community. We want to learn from this experience and find ways to deliver even bigger, better competitions that our barista community and the regional foodservice industry would be excited to be part of.”
To sign up now, click here. For more information, visit DaVinci Gourmet and follow DaVinci Gourmet Arabia on Instagram.